That is the verdict of Shaun Tait, who knows just what Lehmann will bring to the table having played under his captaincy at South Australia for years.

Tait, known as Wild Thing for his hostile – if wayward – approach to fast bowling reckons Lehmann has the perfect larrikin character to bring out the best from the players.

“I think we have all been waiting for a more ­aggressive style,” said Tait, ahead of T20 action for Essex this summer.

“It’s easy to sit on the couch at home and say they should be doing this or that but I definitely think we’ve lost that. It almost seems we’ve gone down the route of everyone trying to look good, and be a bit robotic. I don’t think it’s worked.

“I think we need to get back to the gritty, hard Australian cricket in the opponents’ face without being over-aggressive and looking like idiots.

Fitting in: Michael Clarke has recovered from a back injury and will lead the Australians out at Somerset (Image: Ryan Pierse)

“We need to put pressure on the opposition even if we’re not favourites. I think Australian cricket has been known for that and we’ve almost lost that in the last couple of years, so it would be good to see that come back.

“I know Darren pretty well and he embodies that. He’s a bit of a character, a strong character. He’s an Aussie larrikin cricket player so I think it’s a good ­decision to get him in.

“It’s important not to go overboard of course, but the English guys are aggressive as well and it’s an Ashes series so you have to be in each others’ face.”

Lesson one for the Aussies begins today in Taunton against Somerset in one of two warm-up games before the Ashes, and they finally have their skipper Michael Clarke back on the park.

But the Ashes-winning opener still believes his Somerset team-mate can play a role for his country this summer.

“I’d expect him to bounce back and think there is a massive opportunity for him,” said Tresco. “I made my way into the England team through injury and there’s no reason why he can’t be next in line to come back in.

“From the outside and speaking a bit with Nick, I think they’ve been a bit harsh. I’d have stuck with him – only a few games ago he got back-to-back hundreds.”

Shaun Tait was launching the 2013 Friends Life T20 competition. For ­information and tickets visit